Heavyweight boxing champ Razor Ruddock takes on James Toney at Rumble in the Sun

Kingston, Jamaica, is poised to host a historic boxing event, “Rumble in the Sun,” featuring Jamaican-Canadian boxing legend Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock. Scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, this event promises to captivate boxing enthusiasts and make a mark in the annals of Jamaican sports history.

The much-anticipated match will see two-time heavyweight champion Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock square off against James ‘Lights Out’ Toney in what is anticipated to be an unforgettable night of boxing. The event’s organizers, Red Ground Productions, headed by CEO Kleopatra Ruddock, joined by senior members of the Jamaica Boxing Association, President Stephen Jones, and General Secretary Leroy Brown, fielded questions from journalists during a media launch held at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

Kleopatra Ruddock, CEO of Red Ground Productions, expressed her excitement about hosting the event in Jamaica and emphasized her father Donovan Ruddock’s dedication to supporting the local boxing community. She conveyed gratitude to the Jamaica Boxing Association and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport for endorsing “Rumble in the Sun.” This endorsement is expected to pave the way for future boxing events of this caliber in Jamaica. Ruddock emphasized the historic nature of the event, stating, “We have not seen a fight of this magnitude in Jamaica in over 50 years, so we want to give the fans a memorable bout as well as support the local boxing community by showcasing the local boxing talent on the undercard fights.”

Realizing dream of fighting in his homeland

Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock, speaking at the media launch, assured fans that he still possesses the ability to entertain. He likened himself to iconic figures such as Muhammad Ali, Bob Marley, and Bruce Lee, asserting that he gets better with time. Ruddock expressed his happiness at fulfilling his dream of fighting in his homeland and issued a challenge to James ‘Lights Out’ Toney, stating, “Lights Out’ Toney will have to make sure he comes with his A game because I won’t disappoint.”

The main fight card for “Rumble in the Sun” will feature Ruddock and Toney, along with several undercard fights providing an opportunity for local aspiring fighters to gain valuable ring experience. Leroy Brown, General Secretary of the Jamaica Boxing Association, highlighted the excitement generated among young boxers when a legendary figure like Razor Ruddock hosts a fight in Jamaica. He emphasized the event’s significance in providing young boxers with valuable ring time and welcomed Ruddock back home.

“Rumble in the Sun” has received endorsements from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports, as well as the Jamaican Boxing Association. Part of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Gloves Over Guns initiative of the Jamaican Boxing Association. The event will be broadcast on the global sports and entertainment digital platform FITE by Triller, available through pay-per-view, cable, and satellite networks, ensuring that fans around the world can be part of this historic moment in Jamaican boxing.